Superman Loses His Undies

No, it wasn’t a wild party, but the last announcement of DC’s 52 superhero title relaunch is now finalised, with the decades running series Action Comics getting a new debut issue. In fact, AC is the longest running comic ever, having premiered in 1938. Scotttish writer Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated, All Star Superman) and artist Rags Morales (Identity Crisis) are the new creative team on the series, which sees Kal-El get some new (underwear-free) duds.

No, that’s not it. That’s just a teaser image. This is it. Unfortunately.

That art is by George Perez, giving us the first reveal of the new costume, which I don’t like. The segmented armour look just seems unnecessary and how is he supposed to fit those boots under his Clark Kent clothes? Perez will be writing the second Supes title, simply called Superman, with art by Jesus Merino.

Also, Supergirl and Superboy get new looks. Here they are, with the official info about their new series.

Supergirl’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman and none of his affection for the people of Earth. Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson (Smallville, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) will team up with artist Mahmud Asrar to give a new take on the teenager from Krypton in SUPERGIRL #1.

They thought he was just a failed experiment, grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon. SUPERBOY #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.

Now, Supergirl’s costume I actually don’t mind – the top half at least, but the almost- bare legs look awkward. Superboy now looks more like the evil Cyborg Superman, which would go with their new weapon motif.

I don’t know how many of these I’ll actually pick up come September, but Morrison and Morales on Action Comics seems like a fair bet.

June 11, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Fear Itself #4 Preview

Marvel’s yearly cross-overs have always been more epic than DC’s, and Fear Itself is a prime example of that, though DC’s current Flashpoint mini-series (the 2nd ish of which is now out) is getting grander in scope.

Below is a text-free preview of July’s instalment of Fear Itself, and if you’ve read last week’s 3rd issue, you’ll see the first bold steps of Steve Rogers reclaiming the Captain America mantle (just in time for his film in July), due to Bucky’s cybernetic arm being ripped off, possibly leading to his death. Oh, and The Thing looks set to join Hulk in being possessed by an evil Norse god. Yep, epic.

Your First Look At FEAR ITSELF #4!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Fear Itself #4 (of 7) from the chart-topping team of Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen! The unthinkable has happened—Sin has dealt a crushing blow to Bucky Barnes, aka Captain America, unleashing her full fury on the Marvel Universe! With his country in flames, Steve Rogers enters the trenches, forcing the biggest decision of his entire life. And as the Marvel Universe hangs in the balance, Thor must finally confront the Serpent himself. Can the God of Thunder overcome the God of Fear, or will the Serpent prove that he is the one, true All-Father? The stakes have never been higher as the comic blockbuster event of the summer continues this July, only in Fear Itself #4 (of 7)!

FEAR ITSELF #4 (of 7) (MAY110572)

FEAR ITSELF #4 (of 7) IMMONEN VARIANT (MAY110573)

FEAR ITSELF #4 (of 7) DODSON VARIANT (MAY110574)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Penciled by STUART IMMONEN

Cover by STEVE McNIVEN

Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN

Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON

Rated T+…$3.99

FOC—6/13/11, On Sale 7/20/11

 

June 10, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Uncanny X-Men Ending

Looks like DC’s not the only one with finishing long running series on the brain. Take it away, Marvel.

X-MEN: SCHISM Brings UNCANNY X-MEN To An End!

All things must come an end…even for the X-Men, and this October fans will bear witness the end of an era as Uncanny X-Men #544 concludes the long running series. It’s all come to this! Years in the making, the seeds of dissent finally bear fruit as the events of X-Men Schism tear the X-Men and the Marvel Universe apart! When the dust settles, the state of mutantkind will irreparably be changed forever. Don’t miss the historic final issue of the longest running X-Men title this October, in Uncanny X-Men #544!

UNCANNY X-MEN #544

Written by KIERON GILLEN

Pencils and Cover by GREG LAND

Rated T+…$3.99

ON SALE THIS OCTOBER!

X-MEN: SCHISM #1 ON SALE – 7/13/11

June 9, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Gestalt Goodies in August

In this month’s issue of the Previews catalogue (that comic shops, and customers order from) is half a page of upcoming Original Graphic Novels from Perth publisher Gestalt. It’s always good to see local creators get an international audience. Check out their new comics below, which include The Deep (from Star Wars: Invasion writer Tom Taylor), and place your orders at your local comic shop now.

Bad Island from Earthworm Jim creator Doug TenNapel, and classic Gumby tales from artist Art Adams look good too.

June 9, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Essex County Film

This is good news as this is one of those comics that deserves a wider audience. Official details below.

Variety broke the news this morning that Academy-Award-winning visual effects designer John Dykstra (Star Wars, Spider-Man 2, X-Men: First Class) plans to direct a film based on Tales From the Farm, the award-winning first volume of Jeff Lemire’s much-acclaimed Essex County trilogy!

The film, currently using the working title “Super Zero,” is adapted from Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel by John Carr, and will be produced by Steven Gilder and Alec Chorches as well as Top Shelf Productions. Jeff had this to say: “I’m excited about the news and optimistic that John Dykstra will make an entertaining film that stays true to the heart of Essex County.”

Tales From the Farm is the story of Lester, a 10-year-old boy coping with the death of his parents while isolated on his uncle’s farm, escaping into fantasy games with retired hockey pro Jimmy Lebeuf. The book memorably launched the Essex County trilogy by winning the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award (and instantly selling out its first printing). Essex County would go on to win the Doug Wright Award, the Joe Shuster Award, and a top 5 spot (and the People’s Choice Award) on Canada Reads’ Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. Originally published in three parts, it’s now available as a single 512-page volume.

You can meet Jeff in person at his summer convention appearances: he’ll be in the Top Shelf booth at both the Calgary Entertainment Expo (June 17-19) and the San Diego Comic-Con (July 21-24). Hope to see you all there!

See a hefty preview of Essex County here and an interview with Lemire here about his work writing the upcoming Animal Man, and Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE titles for DC’s massive relaunch in September.

June 9, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Last Week’s Winners

It’s all Image! Yep, these 2 comics are worthy of your time and a quick review, and both are out now.

Who Is Jake Ellis? #4. The penultimate issue of this series that is just dying to be made into a film is just as entertaining as the ones before it. Writer Nathan Edmondson (The Light, Olympus) and artist Tonci Zonjic (Daredevil) started things very mysteriously with the first issue and have been peeling away the layers like craftsmen with each subsequent issue. Traditionally, debut issues sell very well, driven by curiosity, but then drop off with the instalments that follow. This, however, is a series that rewards loyalty and it’s quite refreshing to be caught in its grip. Jon Moore and Jake Ellis (who always appears in monochrome) is part of former CIA analyst Moore’s mind. The pair’s aim in this ish is to break in to the facility in Morocco that birthed their unusual partnership, when Ellis reveals that he has had memories – and emotions. Just when you think this series has unveiled all the surprises it needs, out pops another one. Great stuff, and Zonjic’s art is always gorgeous to look at. His superb use of colour and simple lines is like nothing else on the stands at the moment, though I guess Francesca Francavilla’s art comes close. Who Is Jake Ellis? is also currently being serialized in Clint magazine, and shirts are now available too! Cool. See a preview of this issue here.

Shinku #1. I remember seeing black and white preview pages for this ages ago and being eager for the finished product. Now, this creator owned series from writer Ron Marz and artist Lee Moder is out. Part 1 of Throne of Blood, there’s certainly plenty of the latter in these pages. If you like your vampire action more in the throbbing vein of Kill Bill and less like Twilight, grab this. It starts with Davis, a newcomer to Tokyo who gets lucky at a nightclub, when a (very forward) woman bares her…fangs. Davis is rescued by a motorcyclist in a cool crimson suit (yep, Shinku) and is opened up to her tough secret world of vamp killing by bloody means. Within her cool hideout Shinku reveals that she’s the last of her samurai clan (complete with a nifty sepia flashback) before we see her nemesis who has had enough of her actions. This is a mature comic, so be warned. It’s a simple story, of the kind that’s been told many times – outsider becomes embroiled in an ancient war, yet it does work here and Marz and Moder’s bold take is worthy of attention.

There’s an interview with Moder here.

 

June 8, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

It’s All About Green Lantern

With the live action film just days away from its June 19 debut, Warner Bros. have unveiled an unprecedented 8 clips from the film. Most are over a minute long and aren’t heavy on the action. I must say, seeing these clips doesn’t fill me with extreme confidence though. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively really lack chemistry, but I’m happy that he says, “By the power of Greyskull,” in his attempt to state the GL oath (that’s from the He-Man cartoon for those of you who aren’t Gen Xers) and his ring constructs certainly look diverse. In the first clip Reynolds and Likely couldn’t call each other Highball and Sapphire more, though perhaps the latter is a nod to Lively’s Carol Ferris’ transformation into Star Sapphire in a sequel. I must also say that the Earth bound scenes (in what is the reverse of Thor’s film) seem to be the lowlights.

The tie-in videogame is available now. Below is the latest trailer, plus the official description.

Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters is set in the universe of the film with an original story by award-winning comic book writer Marv Wolfman.  Players will take flight across the universe to planets Oa, Zamaron and Biot, and utilize an arsenal of constructs to restore intergalactic order by wielding the ultimate weapon: the Green Lantern Power Ring.  Gamers playing the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions will also have the option to join forces with a friend to play as Hal Jordan or Sinestro to battle the Manhunters.

The Nintendo 3DS version of the game is designed specifically to take advantage of the system’s stereoscopic 3D capabilities and deliver multi-plane graphics that delve players further into the Green Lantern universe.

In addition, players on Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system will be given the option to play in anaglyphic 3D with technology that is compatible with high definition TV sets and visible to players wearing the 3D glasses that will be available for the video game.  Fans can also enjoy the game in stereoscopic 3D when playing on any 3D HDTV while wearing active shutter glasses that are compatible with the television.

Also now available is the Green Lantern: Emerald Knights animated anthology film, on BluRay and DVD. This one – I am excited for. See the latest clip below, spotlighting Hal and Arisia in space.

GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS, the 11th film in the popular series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, is AVAILABLE TODAY — JUNE 7, 2011 — from Warner Home Video on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and for Download.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, and distributed by Warner Home Video, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights weaves six legendary stories of the Green Lantern Corps’ rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Castle’s Nathan Fillion) mentors Arisia (Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal’s comrades – including Kilowog, Abin Sur, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona.

June 8, 2011
Categories: Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Bishop Gets Real

After Isaiah Mustafa (the actor from the Old Spice ads) as Luke Cage comes Jevon Kearse as another Marvel superhero – X-Man/ future soldier Bishop and, man, does he look great. You can check out a behind the scenes video right here at photographer Gary Land’s site and thankfully, there’s more to come.

June 7, 2011
Categories: Movies . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Dark Horse’s June Variant Covers

There’s some pretty nifty variant covers for Dark Horse’s June offerings. Below are some for Hellboy: The Fury #1, Dark Horse Presents #2 and Rage #1. See the rest here.

 

June 6, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New DC #1 Covers

I’m sure these will show up on DC’s official blog soon now, but here you can find a handful of leaked September releasing debut covers, including Batwoman, Catwoman, Swamp Thing and yes, unfortunately the long running Detective Comics series. There’s also an official list of the four new Green Lantern related #1s here.

Lastly, here’s the cover for Nightwing #1 from artist Eddy Barrows. The speculation is that it’s actually the third (and resurrected) Robin Jason Todd under the mask, which could be true, especially considering his natural red hair would go with the red (instead of the usual blue) colour on this Nightwing costume. However, all I can think of after seeing this image, is Chris O’Donell from Batman and Robin.

UPDATE

Nope, it’s the original Robin, Dick Grayson who’s reclaiming his first post-Robin identity as Nightwing, meaning he’ll presumably give up the mantle of the Bat for the second time in his crimefighting career. DC have now officially posted more info about the Bat-family relaunches, including new series focusing on the African Batman, Grant Morrison’s Batman Incorporated, Jason Todd’s Red Hood and the Outlaws, and Batgirl, which sees Barbara Gordon leave the Oracle identity behind and reclaim her Batgirl one. That means DC continuity is maddeningly being rewound a few years, but at least her series will be written by Gail Simone.

 

 

June 6, 2011
Categories: Comics, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

ThunderCats DVD

Since we discussed the new He-Man/ThunderCats covention in last week’s podcast, this is good timing. I’ve wanted to get ThunderCats on DVD for ages, but it’s always been fairly pricey, considering there were a massive 65 episodes in its first season. Now we have a cheaper alternative. Official info below.

ThunderCats, Ho!
ThunderCats: The Original Series Season 1, Part 1
The Legendary 80’s Cartoon Comes to DVD on July 12, 2011
This summer, the Code of Thundera will live on when Warner Home Video releases ThunderCats: The Original Series Season 1 Part 1 July 12, 2011 on DVD – just ahead of the
all-new series premiere of ThunderCats on Cartoon Network. The 2-disc collection set, priced to own at $19.97, includes the first 12 action-packed episodes, as well as a special featurette entitled “Feel the Magic, Hear the Roar,” where fans speak out about their incredible
passion for the classic animated series.
One of the 1980s’ most popular animated series, ThunderCats spawned fan-driven conventions and a wide array of highly sought-after consumer products – from action figures and video games to lunch boxes and comic books. ThunderCats: The Original Series Season 1 Part 1 introduces the first animated adventures of the feline-inspired fantasy! A noble band of survivors from the peaceful world of Thundera bravely faces off against vicious mutants intent on destroying them.
Make way for exotic creatures, mystical powers and action-packed battles of good versus evil in the exciting saga of the ThunderCats! ThunderCats: The Original Series Season 1 Part 1 follows the heroic groups’ early adventures as they adopt Third Earth as their new home
and encounter alien beings galore – some friendly, some looking for a fight! And while they brave their strange surroundings, their young leader Lion-O struggles with his new responsibilities as head of their foundling civilization. The result is more than four hours of classic cartoon thrills.
“This release is perfectly timed to engage devoted fans eagerly awaiting the new ThunderCats series debut on Cartoon Network this summer,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WHV Executive Director, Family & Animation Marketing. “We are excited for this great opportunity to
introduce the series to a brand new generation a quarter of a century after the original premiere.”
Episodes
Disc 1
1. Exodus
2. The Unholy Alliance
3. Berbils
4. The Slaves of Castle Plun-darr
5. Pumma-Ra
6. The Terror of Hammerhand
Disc 2
7. Trouble with Time
8. The Tower of Traps
9. The Garden of Delights
10. Mandora the Evil Chaser
11. The Ghost Warrior
12. The Doomgaze

 

June 6, 2011
Categories: Cartoons . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Banshee and White Queen in ’90s Film

X-Men: First Class is surprisingly good. Sure, there’s some cheesy moments, but the acting is good, as is the action in the final third. Also, like any superhero movie these days, it puts the spotlight on a few little known comics characters, such as Nightcrawler’s Dad, Azazel.

White Queen, played by Mad Men’s January Jones, is another X-Men character to make her debut on the silver screen, although she has appeared on a screen before – the smaller one, as has Banshee, played by Caleb Landry Jones in First Class.

In 1996 a TV movie called Generation X was released, produced by New World Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment. Directed by Jack Sholder (Nightmare on Elm Street 2) and written by Eric Blakeney (21 Jump Street), it was based on the comic series of the same name, which debuted only 2 years earlier. That’s got to be the quickest comics-to-film turnaround ever, not including Kick Ass.

The film is often forgotten in the annals of comic adaptations, and I know why. It’s a low budget attempt, and some characters, such as Chamber and Husk were dismissed from the cast as their powers were too expensive. I do recall being excited to see the film though, as it was around the time my comics habit was forming and the X-Men where were it was at for me at the time. I collected the first 2 or 3 years of the series by Scott Lobdell and Chris Bachalo (the series ended in 2001) and its cast of largely new characters, as well as Jubilee, with new villains made for a great read.

Like in the comic, the film focused on reformed bad girl White Queen, and Irish mutant and former X-Man Banshee as teachers of a new group of powerful students. White Queen/ Emma Frost was played by Finola Hughes who appeared in the Blossom TV series, and went on to voice Superman’s Kryptonian mother in the animated series. Banshee/Sean Cassidy was played by Jeremy Ratchford who also voiced the character in the ’90s toon.

I haven’t watched it in years and it doesn’t even seem to be available anymore, but here’s a taste and a video below.

 

 

June 5, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #43-DC Comics Relaunch

55 mins. We focus on the hottest topic, the talk of the town, the big news that has superhero comics readers everywhere yakking – the relaunch of the entire line of DC Comics’ superhero line. We attempt to gather all the tidbits released so far and chime in with our opinions. Also, leg warmers, eye patches, and our mutual affection for April O’Neil.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES

1:20 NEWS

Well, there’s not really much else to talk about in DC’s shadow, apart from a new convention dedicated to He-Man and ThunderCats. Woo hoo!

5:06 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Duncan Jones’ great Source Code film

The visually dazzling and epic Hellboy: The Fury #1, by Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo. Preview here.

The classic, detailed and violent Hard Boiled OGN from Frank Miller and Geof Darrow

The mature approach of toys in The Stuff of Legend Book 1 from Th3rd World Studios

15:15 DC Comics’ Relaunch

DC’s whole superhero line is relaunching in September, with new costumes and series for some of the world’s favourite spandex clad characters. There’s not heaps of official info released so far, but we break it down for those new to the…news.

As an added bonus, here’s the George Lucas Strikes Back trailer.

June 4, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News, Podcast . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

New Editions of Blankets

This classic work of beauty and love and faith from writer/artist Craig Thompson has been on my desert island list of comics ever since I first read it a few years ago. If you haven’t, or even if you have, August is the time to fall in love with the gorgeous tome as it’s getting new hard cover, and soft cover editions to make it even more attractive. Official details below and as a reminder, Thompson’s next book, Habibi is out on September 20.

BLANKETS fans, rejoice! One of the most beloved and best-selling books in Top Shelf’s 14-year history is getting an upgrade.

Shipping in August, and available now for pre-order, are brand-new deluxe hardcover and softcover editions of Craig Thompson’s award-winning graphic novel, BLANKETS. In addition to the gorgeous new cover design, the new BLANKETS features higher-quality paper, Smyth-sewn bindings, a spot gloss, and a slightly wider trim size.

BLANKETS is one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels of all time, having won the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards for Best Graphic Novel and Best Cartoonist. Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, it explores the complex power of family and faith, the thrill of falling in love for the first time, and the coming-of-age of a remarkable young man.

If you’re one of the countless readers who love BLANKETS, get ready to fall in love all over again, or share it with friends & family. And for those who’ve never read it, now is the perfect opportunity to discover this incredible graphic novel.

Pre-order your copy now from your favorite retailer (via Diamond PREVIEWS), or direct from Top Shelf via our web site, and join us in celebrating the rebirth of Craig’s awe-inspiring book!

— Blankets HARDCOVER: (New) ISBN 978-1-60309-096-4, $39.95 (US)

— Blankets SOFTCOVER: (Original) ISBN 978-1-891830-43-3, $29.95 (US)

June 4, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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